Liverpool Manager Slot Expects To Stay Next Season Despite Fan Tensions

Arne Slot insists there is no reason to expect a change in the Liverpool dugout, even as pressure grows after a poor Premier League title defence. Liverpool still chase Champions League qualification, with Friday’s trip to Aston Villa crucial despite a season marked by inconsistent results and tension with some supporters.

If Liverpool defeat Europa League finalists Aston Villa at Villa Park, Slot’s team can still secure Champions League qualification. Liverpool beat Villa 2-0 at Anfield in November, and the club last achieved a league double over Aston Villa in 2021-22. The most recent double without conceding against Villa came in the 1995-96 campaign.

Liverpool enter the Villa Park fixture 20 points behind Premier League leaders Arsenal, with only two matches left in the 2025-26 season. The Reds have lost 18 games in all competitions, a figure exceeded only in 1992-93, 2004-05 and 2009-10 since their top-flight return in 1962.

Arne Slot’s side have suffered 11 Premier League defeats, their highest total since the 12 league losses recorded in 2014-15. Away form has been especially troubling, with eight league defeats on the road. Liverpool last posted more away league losses in 2011-12, when they were beaten 10 times.

Discontent around Anfield intensified after a 1-1 draw against a struggling Chelsea side, when Slot substituted Rio Ngumoha in the 67th minute. The decision drew anger from home supporters, and speculation about Slot’s future increased, especially amid reports linking former Liverpool midfielder Xabi Alonso with the Chelsea job.

I don't think I am deciding that alone by myself, but I have every reason to believe I am the Liverpool manager next season, Slot told reporters. First of all, I am contracted to this club and, second of all, from all the talks we are having. That is my take on it. But if you don't have the best season, especially if you compare it with last seasonif you compare it with other seasons, you might have a different debatebut if you compare it with last season, this has definitely not been a great season. Then it is also normal that criticism comes. We have all had our share, and with 'all' I mean the players have had their share, the manager has had their share and other people in the club have had their share. That is how things work nowadays if you don't win the league. I think the world has gone to where if a manager or a club doesn't have their best season there is always a debate about that. It is not only Liverpool, it is all around the world. That is the new reality in football. It is not up to me to judge the people who judge me. They have every right to have their opinion.

Arne Slot, Liverpool injuries and Premier League selection

Squad availability offers some encouragement for Arne Slot before the Premier League meeting with Aston Villa. Mohamed Salah missed Liverpool’s last two matches with a muscle problem but returns to the squad. Ibrahima Konate, withdrawn against Chelsea, has trained, while Florian Wirtz and Alisson Becker could also rejoin the matchday group.

Ibou [Konate] is okay, he trained with us. Mo [Salah] will be available tomorrow, but only for a few minutes, Slot added. Hopefully he can come in. Alisson [Becker] trained with us again. Let's see tomorrow whether he is ready or has to wait one more week. Florian [Wirtz] [had a] stomach infection and is on antibiotics. Let's see if he is ready to play tomorrow.

With Champions League qualification still possible and several influential players returning, Arne Slot and Liverpool approach the Premier League trip to Villa Park under heavy scrutiny but with clear targets. The outcome against Aston Villa, and the closing fixtures, will frame the final judgement on Liverpool’s troubled 2025-26 campaign.